In this study, direct laser deposition (DLD) of nickel-based superalloy powders (Inconel 625) on structural steel (42CrMo4) was analysed. Cladding layers were produced by varying the main processing conditions: laser power, scanning speed, feed rate, and preheating. The processing window was established based on conditions that assured deposited layers without significant structural defects and a dilution between 15 and 30%. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction were performed for microstructural characterisation. The Vickers hardness test was used to analyse the mechanical response of the optimised cladding layers. The results highlight the influence of preheating on the microstructure and mechanical responses, particularly in the heat-affected zone. Substrate preheating to 300 °C has a strong effect on the cladding/substrate interface region, affecting the microstructure and the hardness distribution. Preheating also reduced the formation of the deleterious Laves phase in the cladding and altered the martensite microstructure in the heat-affected zone, with a substantial decrease in hardness.

In this study, the deposition of martensitic stainless-steel (Metco 42C) powder on 42CrMo4 structural steel by direct laser deposition (DLD) was investigated. Clads were produced by varying the laser power, scanning speed, feed rate, and preheating. The effect of these processing variables on the microstructure and microhardness of the clads was analyzed, as well as their soundness, yield (measured by dilution), and geometric characteristics (height, width, and depth). The complex interaction of the evaluated processing variables forced the application of complex parameters to systematize their effect on the clads. A genetic optimization algorithm was performed to determine the processing conditions warranting high-quality clads, that is, sound clads, metallurgically bonded to the substrate with required deposition yield.

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Functionally graded material (FGM) based on Inconel 625 and AISI 431 stainless steel powders was produced by applying the direct laser deposition (DLD) process. The FGM starts with layers of Inconel 625 and ends with layers of 431 stainless steel having three intermediate zones with the composition (100-X)% Inconel 625-X% 431 stainless steel, X = 25, 50, and 75, in that order. This FGM was deposited on a 42CrMo4 steel substrate, with and without preheating. Microstructures of these FGMs were evaluated, while considering the distribution of chemical composition and grain structure. Microstructures mainly consisted of columnar grains independent of preheating condition; epitaxial growth was observed. The application of a non-preheated substrate caused the formation of planar grains in the vicinity of the substrate. In addition, hardness maps were produced. The hardness distribution across these FGMs confirmed a smooth transition between deposited layers; however, the heat-affected zone was greatly influenced by the preheating condition. This study suggests that an optimum Inconel 625/AISI 431 FGM obtained by DLD should not exceed 50% AISI 431 stainless steel.